U.S. Guide for Home Solar

To know if your home is fit for solar, you’ll need to check a few things. First, your roof should get plenty of sunlight, especially during the day when the sun is strongest.

If your roof is shaded by trees or other buildings most of the time, it might not produce enough energy. The direction and angle of your roof also matter—south-facing roofs usually work best for solar panels.³

You’ll also want to make sure your roof is in good condition and has enough space to hold the panels. If your roof is old or needs repairs, it’s a good idea to fix it before installing solar panels.

A solar installer can help evaluate your home to see if it’s a good fit for solar and recommend the best setup for you.

DIY solar kits are available, and they can save you money upfront. However, installing solar panels requires electrical work, knowledge of building codes, and handling heavy equipment on your roof, which can be dangerous without the right experience.

Mistakes during installation can also lead to problems like roof damage or inefficient energy production which can cost you more.

For most people, hiring a professional installer is a safer and more reliable option. Professionals ensure the system is set up correctly and meets local regulations, plus they can help with warranties and long-term maintenance.

Solar panels can be installed on most types of roofs, but some materials are easier to work with than others.

Roofs made of asphalt shingles, metal, and tile are the most common and work well for solar panels.⁶ However, if your roof is made of materials like slate or wood, installation can be more difficult and may require special mounting equipment, which could make it more expensive.

The shape and angle of your roof also matter. Solar panels work best on roofs with a good amount of sunlight, so if your roof is too shaded or has an unusual shape, it might not be ideal.

In some cases, you might need to consider ground-mounted solar panels if the roof isn’t suitable.

If your solar panels don’t make enough electricity to power your home, you can still rely on the regular electricity grid for the extra energy you need.

Solar systems are often connected to the grid,⁵ which means that when the panels don’t produce enough power—like on cloudy days or at night—you can use electricity from the grid just like before.

To store solar energy, you’ll need a battery system.¹ These batteries collect and store extra electricity generated by your solar panels during the day.

You can use this stored energy at night or when the sun isn’t shining.

Battery systems come in different sizes, so you can choose one that fits your energy needs. They help you use more of your solar power and reduce your reliance on the grid.

The cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on the size of the system and where you live. On average, for a typical home, it might cost between $15,000 and $35,000 before tax credits.⁴

However, many people can reduce that amount with government incentives or rebates, which can lower the total cost by 20-30%. These savings make solar panels more affordable over time, especially as they help lower your electricity bills.

There are also financing options to help you pay for solar panels. Many companies offer solar loans, allowing you to pay off the cost over several years with manageable monthly payments.

Some places even offer solar leases, where you pay a set amount each month to use the panels, without having to own them. Both options help spread out the cost, making solar more affordable for homeowners.

Studies show that homes with solar panels often sell for more than homes without them.⁸ Buyers like the idea of saving money on electricity, so they may be willing to pay a higher price for a home that already has a solar system installed.

In some areas, the increase in home value can be close to the amount you spent on the panels.

However, the exact amount your home’s value goes up will depend on where you live, how much energy your solar system produces, and how new the system is.

In general, having solar panels can make your home more attractive to buyers, especially if energy costs are high in your area.

Solar panels typically last around 25 to 30 years.⁷ During this time, they will still produce energy, but their efficiency might decrease slightly as they get older.

Most solar panels come with warranties that guarantee they’ll work well for at least 20 to 25 years, which means they should continue to generate a good amount of electricity for decades.

Even after 30 years, solar panels don’t just stop working. They may just produce less energy than when they were new.

With proper care, like keeping them clean and free of debris, you can help them last even longer while continuing to save on your energy bills.

If your solar panels get damaged, the first step is to contact the company that installed them.

Many panels come with warranties that cover certain types of damage, such as from storms or manufacturer defects. The company can assess the damage and let you know if it’s covered under the warranty or if repairs are needed.

In some cases, homeowners insurance may also cover damage to solar panels, especially if they’re damaged by things like hail, falling trees, or other accidents. It’s a good idea to check your insurance policy to make sure your panels are protected.

If the damage isn’t too severe, repairs can often be done without needing to replace the entire system.

Yes, you can operate solar panels without adding power to the grid by using an “off-grid” solar system.²

In this setup, your solar panels will power your home directly, and any extra electricity can be stored in batteries for later use. This way, you don’t rely on the electricity grid at all.

However, off-grid systems usually need more equipment, like a large battery storage system, to make sure you have enough power during cloudy days or at night.

Off-grid systems can be more expensive than grid-tied ones because of the extra batteries and equipment needed. But if you live in a remote area or just want to be fully independent from the grid, it’s a good option.

Just keep in mind, managing power storage carefully is important to avoid running out of electricity.

If you move, it’s usually not practical to take your solar panels with you.

Solar panels are designed to fit your current home, and removing them can be costly and may reduce their efficiency when reinstalled. Plus, solar panels add value to your home, so leaving them can make your property more attractive to buyers.

Instead of taking the panels, many people choose to sell their home with the solar system included. This allows the new owners to enjoy the benefits of lower energy bills, which can help your home sell faster and for a higher price.

If you still want solar power in your new home, you can install a new system that fits your new location.